Hawks guard Trae Young was ejected after a second technical foul in the third quarter of Atlanta's, 123-118, win Sunday in Chicago.
Nearing the end of the first quarter, Young and Bulls guard Kris Dunn traded shots that resulted in technicals for both players.
Midway through the third quarter, Young pulled up for a 3-point shot to make it 78-62, then stared at Dunn with his hands on his hips. That resulted in his second technical of the game and the ejection.
NBA Crew Chief Mark Ayotte explained to pool reporter after the game that Young “stared down his opponent and was issued a taunting technical foul.”
Asked if taunting could be confused with celebrating, Ayotte clarified: “Taunting is directed at an opponent specifically. Celebration is not directed at an opponent.”
That didn’t sit well with everyone. NBA Hall of Fame and TV analyst Reggie Miller said on Twitter: “What’s happened to my beloved NBA game? So damn SOFT and SENSITIVE now, nooooo way Trae Young should be given a technical for this.. I would have been broke and out of the league in 2 years”
Dunn, reportedly, didn’t see the taunting.
Twitter rallied behind Young, calling the judgement foul bogus:
Young, of his part, summarized the play: “I ‘try to’ play with emotion, passion, effort, and a little bit of flair within the game of Basketball... that’s all I’ve ever tried to do, and that’s the only way I know how.”
The Hawks play at Miami Monday night.
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